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Posted on Wed, Dec 26, 2012 : 5:59 a.m.

When new toys are not enough: Ideas to entertain kids during the holiday break

By Ann Dwyer

First, they're crazy because they cannot possibly wait for Christmas because "OHMYGOSH! TUESDAY IS SO FAR AWAY!" Then they're crazy because "NEW TOYS!!!" Quickly followed by sobs of "WHY DIDN'T SANTA BRING ME WHAT I REALLY WANTED?!"

And New Year's doesn't mean as much to those who can't drink/stay up to midnight. So how do you entertain them during the break when the shimmer of the holidays tarnishes?

• From ice candles to snow games to seeing heat to learning about international holiday traditions, it's a Hands-On Holidays 2012: Hot & Cold at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, running Dec. 26-Jan. 6.

Maya Sudharsan, 4, of Ann Arbor heads out for a skate at Veterans Memorial Ice Arena.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com

• Winter is ice-skating season, and the City of Ann Arbor offers public-skating times at its municipal ice rinks. Veterans Memorial Ice Arena offers an indoor rink, while the city also offers outdoor skating fun at Buhr Park. (Click the links for information on dates, times and prices.)

• Learn the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season at Planetarium Show: Season of Light at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History.